Allergies On The Road
Dear Editor:
I was a respiratory therapist for 40-plus years, and my wife has allergies. I commend the many recommendations in the “Full-Timer’s Primer” article titled “Managing Allergies” in the October 2015 issue (page 84).
I recommend that snowbirds or people looking to relocate to a warmer climate try the new area for at least six weeks before making a firm commitment to move there or spend winters there. As the article noted, you may be allergic to something new in that area or develop new allergies after you have been there awhile.
My wife was allergic to something the first time we visited southern Utah. At an FMCA rally, I almost had to take her to the emergency room because the people in the site next to us smoked cigarettes, and the smoke came right into the RV. We packed up and moved to another site. Another person wishing to escape the cold winters of Maine found out she was allergic to orange blossoms in Phoenix. She moved back to Maine, where she said she could breathe.
I recommended HEPA air filters to the patients I worked with (they are used to create “sterile air” in operating rooms, among other uses). HEPA filters become more efficient as they get dirtier (until they clog up completely), whereas electronic filters become less efficient as they get dirtier. Both filters must be maintained, preferably by a nonallergic person. Be sure the unit is big enough for the open area of the RV, as many motorhomes have 400 square feet of space or more.
Sleeping with an air filter on can help ease the body’s allergic responses and allow greater tolerance to allergens outside the next day. You might have to keep the RV closed all day and the air conditioner on, with the air filter running, for best results. And as also noted, get rid of all dust collectors in the RV, such as rugs, carpets, fabric cushions, etc., and clean things often. Use a dust mask and HEPA filter vacuum bags. If all else fails, you have the freedom to move your home to a new and hopefully better environment.
Bob Spangler, F391248
Tucson, Arizona
A Possible Solution
Dear Editor:
Regarding the letter from Dave Browne in the December 2015 “House Calls” column (“Water Pump Cycles, Propane Alarm Sounds,” page 22), we also had a water pump that cycled when we were boondocking. The reason? The ice maker was calling for water until the tray was full.
Ed Burrows, F192818
Agoura Hills, California
Knoxville Mobile Mechanic
Dear Editor:
While we were overnighting near Knoxville, Tennessee, one of our motorhome’s slideouts refused to retract. We contacted Ken’s RV Repair (865-776-6959). Ken arrived the day we contacted him, knew quickly how to bring the slideout in, contacted our manufacturer to ensure warranty coverage, and quickly had us buttoned up for travel to a repair shop to permanently fix the problem — all at a very reasonable price. We highly recommend Ken if you need mobile RV service in the Knoxville area.
Cliff Danz, F133163
Via Email
Alberta Repair Recommendation
Dear Editor:
We want to tell other FMCA members about an awesome place to get RV repairs in Calgary, Alberta. Our coach’s suspension and shocks broke down in rush-hour traffic, and we had to pull to the side of the highway. Our roadside assistance was of no help, but, fortunately, a passing wrecker driver stopped and told us about Standen’s. This is the place to go for repairs and parts to any vehicle.
We received prompt, courteous, and professional service. It was reasonably priced even though parts had to be overnighted by air, and the workmanship was great.
Standen’s Limited Parts and Service Dept. is at 1222 58 Ave. S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2G7; (403) 258-7800; www.standens.com.
Garlyn & Dorothy Cummins, F441756
Inola, Oklahoma
Attention In Illinois
Dear Editor:
My wife and I took a four-month trip in our coach to the Canadian Maritimes this past spring and summer. Along the way, we found it virtually impossible to find an RV dealer that would work us in for a relatively minor repair. We often heard it would take a week or more to do so. That was until we found Jeff Bright RV Center in Rock Falls, Illinois. They worked us right in amongst other jobs they had going, diagnosed our problem, made the repair, and handed us a very reasonable invoice for their service. Their friendly staff and owner were just the best.
If you’re in the area and need anything, give Jeff Bright RV Center a call. They are at 2109 Industrial Park Road, Rock Falls, IL 61071; (866) 626-7878, (815) 626-7878; www.jeffbrightrv.com.
Denny Huffman, F429750
Ridgefield, Washington
Many Thanks To North Texas RV
Dear Editor:
We had just bought a preowned 2008 40-foot Monaco Windsor in Augusta, Georgia. While driving back to our second home in Dallas, Texas, we encountered a truck pulling a trailer full of dirt. The driver lost control of his load and smashed into the front of our motorhome, causing $48,000 in damage.
A wrecker arrived and towed our motorhome to North Texas RV in Krum, Texas. We left it in their hands and were not sure what to expect. Upon our return, we were extremely pleased to see their quality work. The repairs were fantastic; they made the motorhome look brand-new.
Since then, they have performed more excellent repair work for us and even stored our RV for us (at no charge) while I recovered from a health issue. Not only have they been professional, but gracious as well.
If you need a dependable RV repair and service facility, I can’t make a higher recommendation than North Texas RV (11399 U.S. 380 W., Krum, TX 76249; 888-399-0973, 940-482-0186; www.ntrvrepair.com).
Ralph Harrison, F226079
Tucson, Arizona